It can be fun to watch something different

It can be fun to watch something different

Sports Commentary

That's the question that came up in a sports department bull session last week. And while we eventually settled the question, it's worth doing some self-examination, if you're so inclined.

The genesis of the discussion came from the Chelsea-Manchester City soccer game held at Busch Stadium last week. With one member of the News Tribune crew wondering what the fuss was, others stepped in to educate him on why it was not only noteworthy, but also compelling on its own merit.

Despite some intense lobbying, it's a pretty good bet the reporter who will remain nameless won't be broadening his horizons by taking in a Premier League game any time soon. And that's a shame.

But it doesn't have to be soccer. There are plenty of sports out there with events worth attending.

A perfect example comes today. While it's likely too late for you to enjoy it this year - unless you're reading this online while stationed in Indianapolis - the Indy 500 is an event definitely worth seeing in your lifetime. As someone who has seen more than 30 runnings of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," I'd recommend you view it in person, if only just once.

And open-wheel racing's cousin, NASCAR, boasts an event you'd be foolish not to attend if you get the chance. Yep, the Daytona 500.

Each sport has one event worth seeing, and some of them have multiple ones. But I'd also like to put out the idea that even regular-season events in most sports are worth seeing. Even if they don't have the urgency of playoff events, or one-of-a-kind events, there's plenty that can be gained by trying something new.

Heck, this is the weekend for one of my favorite off-the-beaten-path sports moments, as I love the fact ESPN shows the college lacrosse championships every Memorial Day weekend. It's a holiday tradition for me to settle onto the couch and enjoy something I never seek out at other times of the year.

But maybe I should be seeking it out more. And seeking out other things as well, because there's something to be said for those new experiences. They could become new loves very easily.